Dramma giocoso in two acts
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
First performance of 2nd Edition: May 7th 1788, National-Hof-Theater, Vienna
Sung in Italian with German surtitles
Duration: 3 hrs 20 mins, including one interval

About the piece

The scent of women is irresistable to the most famous seducer in operatic literature. Another conquest, the next adventure, driven ...

The scent of women is irresistable to the most famous seducer in operatic literature. Another conquest, the next adventure, driven by sensual desire. His vitality is mesmerizing, casting everyone under its spell. Don Giovanni is one of Mozart's most charismatic operatic figures. But everything starts going wrong for the notorious womaniser in this dramma giocoso when Donna Elvira, whom he had abandoned, reappears out of the blue and thwarts his plans. But his real crime is disturbing the peace of the dead with his blasphemous invitation to the Commendatore. Don Giovanni has gone too far and must be punished. His refusal to repent for his crimes leads to his downfall.

Synopsis

24 hours in Seville Don Giovanni tries to rape Donna Anna. He kills her father, the Commendatore, who came to her aid. Don ...

24 hours in Seville Don Giovanni tries to rape Donna Anna. He kills her father, the Commendatore, who came to her aid. Donna Anna demands that Don Ottavio, her fiancé, find the intruder and avenge her father. Giovanni tries to forget about the killing by throwing himself into a new amorous adventure. But the next woman he meets is Donna Elvira, who he recently married and promptly deserted. He flees again, leaving Elvira with his servant Leporello, whose enumeration of Giovanni's conquests makes them both feel giddy. Don Giovanni has spotted Zerlina, who is about to marry Masetto, a farmer's lad. He flatters her, even promising marriage, but is interrupted by Elvira. Anna and Ottavio want him to help them. When Giovanni tries to stop Elvira speaking Anna realises that he is the murderer. She tells her fiancé about the assault in her room. Ottavio promises to do help her find peace of mind agin. Giovanni invites Zerlina, Masetto and their friends to a party. Giovanni's attentions to Zerlina make Masetto livid. Anna, Elvira and Ottavio, masked, join the Party. They revealing their identities when Giovanni tries to rape Zerlina. He escapes again and swaps clothes with Leporello. Elvira embraces Leporello, caressed by Giovanni's voice. Giovanni bumps into Masetto and his friends, who are hunting for him. Giovanni passes himself off as Leporello. Left alone with Masetto, he beats him up. Zerlina finds Masetto, and convinces him of her love. Leporello, trying to escape from Elvira, is found by the others. They take him for Giovanni and intend to kill him. He reveals his identity. Zerlina is determined to bring him to justice instead of Giovanni, who seems to be becoming a figment of their imaginations. Masetto lets Leporello escape. Giovanni and Leporello swap clothes again, in front of a statue of the Commendatore. He orders his servant to invite the Commendatore to dine. He accepts. The Commendatore arrives and asks Giovanni if he regrets his way of life. Giovanni refuses to bow to anyone but realises he cannot escape death. Leporello tells Giovanni's pursuers that his master has disappeared again. The devil came to get him.